Gbaramatu Kingdom condemns threats against community members, urges peace

The Gbaramatu Kingdom has issued a press statement condemning threats against its members, residents of Ikantu and Ijaghala (Zou-Ala Uba) communities, who have reaffirmed their ancestral roots and pledged loyalty to His Majesty Oboro Gbaruan II Aketekpe/Agadagba, Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom.

The position was made known when Chief Godspower Gbenekama, Fiyewei (spokesman) of Gbaramatu Kingdom addressed journalists during a press briefing in Warri, Delta State.

Gbenekama expressed concern over reports of intimidation and threats of evacuation against Ikantu and Ijaghala (Zou-Ala Uba) communities in Warri Southwest.

"We want to plead with those threatening our brothers and sisters from Ijaghala (Zou-Ala Uba) and Ekantu because they've come to reaffirm their ancestral roots as Gbaramatu Ijaw people.

"Nobody will touch the air of an Ijaw man and go free, especially as it relates to the present situation in Warri Federal Constituency," the statement read.

Speaking further, Gbenekama called on the state and federal government to protect the lives and properties of its people, particularly in the face of alleged threats and violence. They also urged law enforcement agencies to take action against those responsible for the intimidation.

"The threats alone are enough for the law enforcement agencies to take actions, so we're calling on the state and federal government to take action," he partly stated. 

He warned that any harm to Gbaramatu members would have consequences and reiterated the community's commitment to peace and coexistence.

He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to complete the long-overdue delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency, insisting that peace has returned to the area and that further delays are unjustified.

“INEC must finish its job. There is peace in Warri Federal Constituency, so why is our case different?” Chief Gbenekama questioned. “We, the Ijaw people, will continue to call on God to guide and protect us.”

In a final appeal, he urged the state government to identify and apprehend alleged gunrunners within the Warri Federal Constituency, warning that these individuals may be arming themselves against the Ijaw communities of Gbaramatu and beyond.